Mitochondrial structural and functional aberrations in diabetic bladder dysfunction: underlying mechanisms and...

Diabetic bladder dysfunction (DBD) is a prevalent complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), characterized by heterogeneous urological impairments including altered bladder sensation, decreased compliance, and voiding difficulties. Emerging evidence highlights mitochondrial structural and functional aberrations as pivotal drivers of DBD pathogenesis. Chronic hyperglycemia induces excessive mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cristae disruption, impaired fission-fusion dynamics, defective mitochondrial quality control, and calcium dysregulation, collectively impairing bladder smooth muscle cell (BSMCs) bioenergetics and promoting apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrotic remodeling. These processes culminate in progressive bladder dysfunction, transitioning from compensatory hyperactivity to decompensated underactivity. Mitochondria-targeted therapeutic architectures fall into two complementary categories: repurposed guideline-based pharmacological agents and conceptual prospective interventions, the latter encompassing molecular reprogramming, cell-based therapies, and cell-free regenerative platforms. This review synthesizes current mechanistic insights into mitochondrial involvement in DBD and explores potential therapeutic landscapes, emphasizing the need for integrated, mechanism-driven interventions to advance clinical management of this condition.